Restorative Justice and People with Developmental Disabilities. A Booklet for Restorative Justice Facilitators.

Source: (2006) Vancouver, BC: British Columbia Association for Community Living.

Restorative justice is a philosophy that looks upon crime as a
violation of people and relationships rather than the breaking of
laws. It recognizes that harms create obligations on the part of
the person who harmed to put things right and that people who
are most affected by the crime are the key stakeholders in
making sure that harms are repaired and that balance and
harmony is restored in the community.
Community Living, on the other hand, believes that people with
developmental disabilities have the right to live in community and
have the appropriate supports to enable then to participate and
be fully included in schools, workplaces, recreation, and
community life. It also realizes that community members play a
critical role in an individual’s life in order for true inclusion to be
achieved.
When one or more of the parties involved in a restorative process
is a person with a developmental disability, it is very important
that that person is well supported to help him or her express his
or her thoughts and feelings as well as understand what is being
said. (excerpt)